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A total of 12 people were killed in clashes Saturday and Sunday in the northern port city of Latakia, presidential adviser Buthaina Shaaban told AFP on Sunday. "The official death toll in Latakia Saturday is 10 people -- citizens and members of the security forces -- and two gunmen," Shaaban was quoted as saying.

Syrian troops have entered the city, a day after an official said two passers-by were killed by snipers.

Shaaban also said the government is considering lifting the emergency rule which has been in place since 1963. However, she did not give a specific timetable. She said that "the decision to lift the emergency law has been taken but I do not know when it will be implemented." This law imposed restrictions on the freedom of gathering and allows the arrest of "suspects or people who threaten security."

Shaaban said that President Bashar al-Assad will deliver a speech to the people "soon."